Domestic and Family Violence

Mr TEAGUE (Heysen) (15:26): My question again is to the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Has the minister since Thursday last week had any discussions with the Premier regarding the calls for a royal commission into domestic and family violence in South Australia?

The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD (Reynell—Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:26): I think, also as the Deputy Premier said, this is a matter that the Premier and myself and other ministers will consider. Of course I have discussions with the Premier and also, rightfully, I have discussions with a range of ministers and my colleagues. When we go about doing what we can to help to prevent and eradicate domestic violence—noting that no one government, nor the sector, nor one person alone can actually make change—when I go about thinking what we can do together, I also speak with other ministers.

There is a role, of course, for the Minister for Education in terms of the respectful relationships education that is undertaken in various school settings. There is a role, of course, for the Minister for Human Services to play in terms of the role that homelessness support, housing and the provision of affordable housing play in the prevention of domestic violence and, crucially, in support of those who experience domestic violence.

I also speak with the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. Again, health and wellbeing absolutely plays a role in domestic violence prevention and eradication. It is incredibly important that clinicians in every sort of medical setting have the skills to identify signs of domestic violence and feel confident about asking particular questions and about connecting those who experience domestic violence with the relevant supports.

I also, of course, speak with the Minister for Police. I do not think I need to go into great explanation about why that is the case. That is often the case in some really difficult circumstances around domestic violence. Again, the police play a really important role in terms of building community awareness and understanding about the supports that are available.

Very recently, I have also had a discussion with the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs around the role that the real estate industry and the finance industry can play when particular women, following an experience of domestic violence, find themselves bearing the brunt of unpaid mortgages, damaged property or financial abuse, where they have been coerced into taking on particular loans, etc.

So, yes, of course I speak with the Premier about these issues but I actually speak with all of my cabinet colleagues and all the people on this side of the house about the role that we can all play—

Mr Whetstone: What about the four women who died? Who helped them?

The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD: I beg your pardon.

The SPEAKER: Member for Chaffey!

The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD: —and I will continue to do so. As I have always done throughout the course of my life I will continue to advocate for all that can be done by community, by government, by the sector to help to prevent domestic violence.

My record is very clear on this issue. It will continue; my relationship with the sector remains strong. I will continue to stand with them as I have done for a very, very long time. I will take any issues, any suggestions that they bring to my attention very seriously. This is no different. As the Deputy Premier has said, we will continue to very seriously consider this particular suggestion.

Can I say again in light of the words, the commentary over there, I am absolutely heartbroken by the death of four women in our community, absolutely heartbroken. It affects me very, very deeply, as it does many other people. What I hope is that I don't hear any more of that commentary trying to make this into some sort of political pointscoring exercise.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!